The Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) has said that the issue of outstanding retirees’ entitlements predated the current management.

NAMA in a statement by its Director, Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Dr Abdullahi Musa, said the issue was a longstanding institutional challenge inherited from previous administrations.

While Musa debunked the claim in some quarters that the current management, led by Farouk Umar, intentionally withheld payments to retirees, said delays in the payment of benefits were largely caused by policy implementation gaps, pension-related complications and bureaucratic procedures associated with public sector financial obligations.

According to the agency, the current management remained one of the most worker-friendly administrations in the annals of NAMA.

The statement said: “The issue of outstanding retirees’ benefits did not originate under the current leadership. It is a longstanding institutional challenge inherited from previous administrations due largely to policy implementation gaps, pension-related complications and bureaucratic bottlenecks associated with public sector financial obligations.

“Significantly, it was under Engr. Farouk’s administration that renewed administrative attention, institutional commitment and official approvals were secured towards addressing the outstanding obligations.

“Following engagements with relevant stakeholders and retirees’ representatives, the Managing Director immediately directed the appropriate departments to commence the necessary processes required for settlement.”

It, however, maintained that payment of such obligations within the public sector must follow statutory procedures involving documentation, budgetary appropriations, administrative vetting and government approvals before disbursement can be made.

Besides, NAMA said the current management had implemented several staff welfare reforms, including the full implementation of the agency’s Conditions of Service (CoS) to its staff, which it described as an achievement previous administrations failed to accomplish despite years of agitation by workers.

Musa further emphasised that a new salary structure was recently approved and implemented for staff, resulting in improved remuneration, welfare and morale among employees.

According to NAMA, the administration has also prioritised human capacity development through enhanced local and international training opportunities, improved operational conditions and sustained engagement with serving and retired staff on welfare issues.

NAMA also dismissed allegations attempting to introduce religious sentiments into administrative matters, insisting that the agency operates strictly on the principles of professionalism, competence, inclusiveness and national unity.

“It is irresponsible and malicious for anyone to falsely suggest that public resources are being diverted for personal religious activities,” the statement said.

NAMA maintained that under Farouk’s leadership, the agency had continued to record progress in operational safety systems, navigational infrastructure, technical manpower development and compliance with international aviation standards.

While acknowledging frustrations over delays in entitlement payments, the agency appealed for constructive engagement devoid of inflammatory remarks capable of undermining institutional harmony.

The statement insisted despite existing bureaucratic and financial challenges, the management was committed to addressing staff and retirees’ welfare while sustaining reforms within Nigeria’s airspace management system.